U.S.-Ukraine Rare Earth Deal Nears Completion Amid Feasibility Concerns
Experts question the viability of Ukraine's rare earth deposits as President Trump pushes for a deal framed as a way to recoup military aid costs.
- The U.S. is close to finalizing a minerals deal with Ukraine, focusing on rare earth elements and other critical minerals, according to President Trump.
- Experts highlight significant doubts about the viability of Ukraine's rare earth deposits, citing outdated geological surveys and unverified data.
- Key rare earth sites in Ukraine are located in areas currently under Russian occupation, further complicating extraction and development efforts.
- Calls for a U.S.-EU-Ukraine partnership emphasize sustainable investment and supply chain security, leveraging existing EU frameworks for cooperation.
- Critics argue the deal may exploit Ukraine during wartime, with some experts warning it could contravene the spirit of the Budapest Memorandum.